What predictions are being made for the ANZ share price in April?

Two brokers weigh in on the outlook for the ANZ share price.

| More on:
a group of people stand examining a large glowing cystral ball held in the hands of one of the group members while the others regard it with various expressions of wonder, curiousity and scepticism.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • On a price-to-earnings basis, ANZ is the cheapest of the big four banks 
  • The ANZ share price closed down slightly on Friday at $27.78 
  • Both Citi and Morgan Stanley have updated their price targets to levels above its current share price 

There's a mixed bag of broker opinions on the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price. A few of them have published notes this month summarising their perceptions of the big four bank and whether they recommend a buy, hold, or sell.

First, let's take a look at the ANZ share price compared to the other big four banks. ANZ closed on Friday at $27.78, down 0.79% in the session and down 0.7% year to date.

By comparison:

  • Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) $24.21, down 1.22% on Friday and up 11.8% year to date
  • National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) $33.14, down 1.37% on Friday and up 12.6% year to date
  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) $105.37, down 2.75% on Friday and up 3% year to date

The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios lay out like this: ANZ 13.52 times, Westpac 17.56 times, NAB 17.6 times, and CBA 19.8 times.

So, with the figures out of the way, let's see what a couple of experts think.

Citi backs ANZ and lifts 12-month target

Citi analysts have upgraded ANZ to a buy with a higher share price target of $30.75. They think ANZ shares are cheap compared to CBA shares and NAB shares.

As my Fool colleague James wrote last week: "Citi believes the Reserve Bank's rate hikes will reshape the banking sector's earnings profile over the next few years and take net interest margins to levels that are materially higher than consensus estimates. Particularly given its belief that the impact on asset quality won't be as great as some fear."

Morgan Stanley downgrades ANZ share price target

Morgan Stanley has downgraded ANZ to equal-weight from overweight. The broker reckons revenue will keep falling. It cut its 12-month price target for ANZ from $30.30 per share to $28.60 per share.

The broker thinks costs are likely to exceed ANZ's expectations over the near and medium-term due to inflation and the bank's ongoing need for investment. It's also worried that ANZ might be losing market share in both the mortgage and business banking categories.

Morgan Stanley said:

We expect ANZ's revenue to decline again this year due to market share loss, falling margins and lower non-interest income. "Its 3-yr revenue CAGR is also likely to be below the major bank average, given weaker volume growth and more headwinds from increasing competition for deposits in Australia and New Zealand.

ANZ share price summary

ANZ is down 3% over the past 12 months and 15% over the past five years.

The bank has a market capitalisation of $78.23 billion with 2.79 billion shares outstanding.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen owns Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

A beautiful woman with brown hair and wearing bright red lipstick looks shocked as she holds her hand to her cheek in response to the crumbling Adore Beauty share price today
Broker Notes

3 ASX consumer sector shares to avoid in July: expert

If you're looking to buy ASX consumer shares in July, read on.

Read more »

A little girl with red hair runs excitedly with a rocket strapped to her back, trying to launch.
Broker Notes

106% upside? Expert says this ASX All Ords small cap mining stock could explode

Big upside potential.

Read more »

A man in a business suit scratches his head looking at a graph that started high then dips, then starts to go up again like a rollercoaster.
Broker Notes

Buy the dip on these 2 ASX 200 shares: experts

Experts say these 2 ASX 200 shares are a buying opportunity today.

Read more »

A woman walks along the street holding an oversized box wrapped as a gift.
Broker Notes

Fundie reveals why these 3 ASX 200 large-cap shares ripped 35% to 96% in FY25

Blackwattle Investment Partners discusses the performance and outlook for 3 ASX 200 shares in its Large Cap Quality Fund.

Read more »

Five young people sit in a row having fun and interacting with their mobile phones.
Broker Notes

This fund manager just delivered a stellar year and he's bullish on these 5 stocks

With standout returns in both Australian and global equities, Andrew Mitchell shares five high-conviction stocks primed for long-term growth.

Read more »

A woman ponders over what to buy as she looks at the shelves of a supermarket.
Broker Notes

Does Macquarie prefer Woolworths or Coles shares today?

Which supermarket giant was recently named the favourite?

Read more »

Happy couple with a car dealer.
Broker Notes

Why this ASX All Ords stock could return 20%

The team at Macquarie believes this stock could be cheap at current levels.

Read more »

Happy young couple doing road trip in tropical city.
Broker Notes

3 ASX All Ords automotive sector shares to buy in July: expert

These opportunities could be flying under the radar.

Read more »